The Story Behind the Museum: People and Places

The Story Behind the Museum: People and Places

i. On October 1977 the Bethlehem Arab Women’s Union (AWU) purchased land in Bethlehem to build a museum and tourist center. They hoped to create a destination that would educate tourists on the history and heritage of Palestine.

ii. Through donations from different institutions and individuals, the women were able to begin construction for the museum but were unable to finish. After almost 30 years the AWU finally found HCEF whose vision for the museum was compatible with their own.

iii. In 2012, the AWU partnered with HCEF to make their dream of opening the Bethlehem Museum for Heritage and Culture a reality.